The palace was alive with tension as dawn broke over the horizon. Aria stood by the window, watching the golden light stretch across the vast forests surrounding the kingdom. The news from last night had left a heavy weight in her chest.
"Insurgents," she muttered. The word felt foreign yet real—a threat that could shatter everything Lucien was building.
Lucien entered the room, his armor gleaming faintly in the morning light. His expression was stern, eyes sharp as a blade.
"Are you ready?" he asked, voice low.
Aria turned to him, determination settling in her bones. "I want to help. I want to fight."
He nodded, a flicker of approval crossing his usually cold face. "Good. Because today you face your first true test as my Luna."
The training yard was filled with warriors—hulking werewolves clad in armor, their muscles taut and eyes filled with loyalty and wariness. Aria felt their gazes burn into her as she stepped forward.
Lucien stood beside her, his presence a shield.
"Today, you will spar," he announced to the crowd. "Not just to prove your strength, but your heart."
Whispers spread. Many doubted her—a broken omega, now claiming the throne beside the Lycan King?
Aria's pulse quickened, but she held her head high.
Her opponent stepped forward—a lithe, fierce warrior named Darius, known for his unmatched speed and skill.
The match began with a clash of fists and feet, the sound echoing across the yard.
Aria dodged, blocked, and countered with surprising agility. Her wolf surged inside her, guiding her movements, sharpening her senses.
Lucien watched silently, pride flickering in his eyes.
Minutes passed like seconds, and Aria's confidence grew.
She landed a clean strike, and Darius stumbled back, nodding in respect.
"Well done," he said, wiping sweat from his brow. "You have strength—and spirit."
Cheers erupted, some grudging, some genuine.
Aria breathed deeply, sweat dripping down her brow.
Lucien approached, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder.
"You're learning," he said. "But this is only the beginning."
That night, Aria sat beside Lucien in the palace's grand library. Ancient tomes and scrolls surrounded them, whispering secrets of power and prophecy.
"Tell me more about the prophecy," she said softly.
Lucien's eyes darkened. "It speaks of a Luna who will unite the scattered packs, bring peace to centuries of war, and wield the power of the Moon Goddess herself."
"And that's me?" Aria asked, disbelief mingling with hope.
"Yes," Lucien confirmed. "But such power attracts enemies. You'll need allies—and strength."
Her gaze fell to the silver crescent on her wrist, glowing faintly in the lamplight.
"I'm ready," she said, voice firm.
Lucien smiled, a rare warmth in his expression.
"I know."
Meanwhile, far from the palace, Selena and Caleb plotted their next move.
"We can't let her grow stronger," Selena hissed. "If she truly is the King's Luna, she could destroy everything we've worked for."
Caleb's face twisted with frustration. "Then we stop her. Whatever it takes."
The days ahead promised battles—both on the battlefield and within the palace walls.
But Aria had faced rejection, heartbreak, and loneliness.
Now, with the Lycan King by her side, she was ready to claim her destiny.